Wade gets contract extensionAstros GM now signed through 2012

Published 6:30 am, Saturday, February 20, 2010

Astros general manager Ed Wade, left, discusses his extension through the end of 2012.

Astros general manager Ed Wade, left, discusses his extension through the end of 2012.

Photo: Julio Cortez, Chronicle

Astros extend contract of GM Wade through 2012

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KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Pleased with the progress made so far — particularly at the minor league level — and capitalizing on the good vibes that accompany the first day of spring training, Astros owner Drayton McLane rewarded general manager Ed Wade with a two-year contract extension through the 2012 season.

“We wanted to make a bold statement about the confidence that we have for his leadership, his integrity and the direction he’s taking the Astros,” McLane said.

The Astros’ 11th GM, Wade has been on the job since September 2007. His original contract was set to expire at year’s end.

“I’m tremendously gratified that Drayton has shown his confidence in what we’ve been trying to do here and is willing to give us the opportunity to see it to the finish line,” Wade, 54, said. “We’ve been able to create a culture that people are into, the fact that we want to get good and stay good.”

Next in line

Last month, the Astros extended the contracts of assistant GMs Ricky Bennett (player development), David Gottfried (baseball operations) and Bobby Heck (scouting) through the 2011 season.

Wade inherited an Astros team without a clear vision and in the beginning stages of paying the price for past mistakes, lack of leadership and a broken farm system.

“Drayton and (president of baseball operations) Tal (Smith) were very candid that we needed to travel down parallel paths. We wanted to win a championship in 2008 and 2009, and we haven’t gotten there,” Wade said. “But the parallel path was we needed to strengthen our farm system.”

The Astros have gone 160-163 in two full seasons under Wade’s tenure, including a 74-88 2009 that resulted in the firing of Cecil Cooper with 15 games to go and the hiring of Brad Mills as manager early in the offseason.

By most accounts, the farm system continues to be ranked among the worst in baseball, but progress is evident.

Steps to improve

Wade brought in Heck, who has restructured the scouting department, which in turn has churned out what are shaping up to be two solid drafts, with another seemingly promising one looming in June.

High-profile, high-return player moves by Wade since taking on the job include the trade for Michael Bourn, a Gold Glove winner last season with the Astros, as well as trades for Jose Valverde, Miguel Tejada and LaTroy Hawkins, all of whom departed this offseason via free agency, although with Valverde declining arbitration and signing with Detroit, the Astros picked up two additional picks in June’s draft.

Wade also oversaw the pickup of righthander Jeff Fulchino, the team’s top rookie in 2009, and the signings of catcher Ivan Rodriguez, now with Washington, and infielder Kaz Matsui, who has left a lot to be desired after two seasons with the club.

It is the work being done to address shortcomings at the major and minor league levels and the number and quality of prospects that has McLane convinced the Astros are on the right path under Wade.

“It was encouraging to see some of the players that were in (Class) AA and AAA that were out here today that could make a difference for the Astros this year,” McLane said.

“(In) the future, a year from now or two years from now, you’re going to see a big difference.”